Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro-Herald Reporter
THREE minor children have been left trapped in a living nightmare, denied even the final solace of seeing both of their parents laid to rest together.
Following a harrowing domestic tragedy that claimed the lives of a prominent human rights commissioner and his wife, a bitter tug-of-war between grieving relatives has shattered the family, forcing separate burials miles apart and plunging the young siblings into profound, unimaginable trauma.
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Commissioner Martin Muduva is expected to be laid to rest in Murambinda, Buhera, on the same day as his wife, Lyliosa Chirara — whose remains will be interred at her rural home in Njanja.
The children will be unable to attend or witness both funerals because family arrangements were split between the two towns.
Community members say the situation has left the minors emotionally distressed at a time they need stability and support.
Bodies of the two are expected to be collected today from a local funeral parlour, before Commissioner Muduva’s body is taken to Dzivaresekwa Extension ahead of burial in Buhera — more than 100km from Hwedza, where Chirara will be laid to rest.
Dzivaresekwa community members expressed concern over the impact of the arrangement on the bereaved families, urging relatives to prioritise the well-being of the children above all else.
“While we mourn together, we also appeal for compassion and cooperation among family members,” they said.
“The minors should be protected from further emotional strain. Bereavement is already painful enough, and they must not be made to carry the burden of disagreements.”
Relatives reportedly made separate burial plans to honour the deceased’s wishes.
However, the decision means the three children cannot attend both ceremonies, intensifying their distress.
The community called for counselling and close supervision for the children in the days ahead, saying grieving minors require steady guidance, comfort, and a consistent support system.
One community member, Silas Kapondoro, appealed for one of the burials to be delayed by 24 hours to allow the children to attend both events.
“We cannot impose our wishes, but if the families had considered separating the burial times by at least 24 hours, the children would have had a chance to witness both parents being laid to rest,” Kapondoro said.
Some mourners are expected to attend both burials as friends and former colleagues continue to remember Muduva for his service to human rights advocacy in Zimbabwe and Chirara for her contributions to the health sector.
